Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology offers an alternative means for producing energy from waste products. In this review, several characteristics of MFC technology that make it revolutionary will be highlighted. First, a brief history presents how bioelectrochemical systems have advanced, ultimately describing the development of microbial fuel cells. Second, the focus is shifted to the attributes that enable MFCs to work efficiently. Next, follows the design of various MFC systems in use including their components and how they are assembled, along with an explanation of how they work. Finally, microbial fuel cell designs and types of main configurations used are presented along with the scalability of the technology for proper application. The present review shows importance of design and elements to reduce energy loss for scaling up the MFC system including the type of electrode, shape of the single reactor, electrical connection method, stack direction, and modulation. These aspects precede making economically applicable large-scale MFCs (over 1 m3 scale) a reality.
Fossil fuels and carbon origin resources are affecting our environment. Therefore, alternative energy sources have to be established to co-produce energy along with fossil fuels and carbon origin resources until it is the right time to replace them. Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is a promising technology in the field of energy production. Compared to the conventional power sources it is more efficient and not controlled by the Carnot cycle. Its high efficiencies, low noise, and less pollutant output could make it revolutionize in the power generation industry with a shift from centrally located generating stations and long-distance transmission lines to dispersed power generation at load sites. In this review, several characteristics of the MFC technology will be highlighted. First, a brief history of abiotic to biological fuel cells and subsequently, microbial fuel cells is presented. Second, the focus is then shifted to elements responsible for the making MFC working with efficiency. Setup of the MFC system for every element and their assembly is then introduced, followed by an explanation of the working machinery principle. Finally, microbial fuel cell designs and types of main configurations used are presented along with scalability of the technology for the proper application.
Managed aquifer recharge (MAR), an intentional storage of excess water to an aquifer, is becoming a promising water resource management tool to cope with the worldwide water shortage. Bioclogging is a commonly encountered operational issue that lowers hydraulic conductivity and overall performance in MAR. The current study investigates the impact of carbon and nitrogen in recharge water on bioclogging in MAR. For this investigation, continuous-flow columns packed with sand grains were operated with influents having 0 (C1), 5 (C2), and 100 mg/L (C3) of glucose with or without introduction of nitrate. Hydraulic conductivity was analyzed to evaluate bioclogging in the systems. In C1 and C2, hydraulic conductivity was not significantly changed overall. However, hydraulic conductivity in C3 was decreased by 28.5% after three weeks of operation, which appears to be attributed to generation of fermentation bacteria. Introduction of nitrogen to C3 led to a further decrease in hydraulic conductivity by 25.7% compared to before it was added, most likely due to stimulation of denitrifying bacteria. These findings indicate that high carbon contents and introduction of additional nitrogen in recharge water cause serious bioclogging in MAR, suggesting the necessity for controlling quality of recharge water.
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